NGO Network wants mayoress for Port-of-Spain
LEISELLE MARAJ TUESDAY 20 JULY 2010
Media, Cultural and Literary Consultant of the Network, Dr Kris Rampersad spoke at a training session for female candidates in the upcoming Local Government Elections held at the Institute of International Relations at the University of the West Indies St Augustine campus.
She explained that the session on protocol was held because of the increased focus on corruption and ethical practices in official positions as well as queries of how women can change this environment.
In addition, she said, the Network was lobbying for three main issues to be addressed in the wake of next Monday’s elections. She said there was need for constitutional reform which recognised Local Government as an entity that is directly in association with communities, and that can work hand in hand to change communities and empower people. Dr Rampersad said this was the first step towards the Local Government becoming a decision-making machinery.
Rampersad reminded that Government has signed on to several international conventions where they are committed to ensuring 50-50 participation of women in Local Government. “We want to see this enacted.
We want to see after the voting has happened and they are forming the municipality councils that there is 50-50 representation. Part of the representation has to come through the elections, but there are also mechanisms to bring women to the system to be aldermen. For example, and one of the element as well we are calling for a female mayor of Port-of-Spain,”she said.
She explained while there have been women mayors in other cities and boroughs, there has never been a female mayor in the capital city.
She added that there was also need to empower Local Government bodies to raise their own funds, spend and be held accountable for their finances. Rampersad said these monies could be used to improve service delivery in the municipalities.